The upcoming Ugadi festival in the Palamuru region has been marred by concerns over a disease that has affected almost all of the neem trees in the area. This has raised questions about whether the neem flowers, a key ingredient in the traditional Ugadi Pacchadi soup, can be used or not. Many people are worried about the safety of consuming any part of the neem tree due to the disease.
According to Venkateshwar Sharma, a resident of Achampet mandal, the neem flower is an essential ingredient in the Ugadi Pacchadi, and without it, the soup is incomplete. He expressed concerns about the drying up of neem trees across Palamuru since 2020, and believes that scientists and botany experts should conduct research to identify the disease affecting the trees and clarify any confusion or fear about consuming parts of the neem tree.
Gopinath Reddy of Kollapur also expressed concerns about any potential side effects or diseases that may arise from consuming diseased neem leaves in the Ugadi soup.
Dr. Sadashivaiah, Assistant Professor of Botany department at Dr BRR Degree College at Jadcherla, explained that the neem tree species is suffering from Dieback disease caused by a fungi. He clarified that this disease only affects neem trees and does not spread to other trees or animals. He also reassured people that consuming neem flowers and leaves does not cause any infection and is safe.
It is essential to note that Ugadi is celebrated as the beginning of the Telugu new year in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and some other southern states in India. The Ugadi Pacchadi soup is a significant part of the festival, and neem flowers are an essential ingredient in it. With Dr. Sadashivaiah’s clarification, people can now confidently use neem flowers and leaves in their Ugadi Pacchadi without any fear or hesitation.
